While many Leeds United fans have labelled the lack of winter additions at Elland Road as something approaching madness, Daniel Farke remains confident in the club’s methods.

As the German explained in the build up to Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Coventry City on Wednesday night – a result which lifted the Yorkshire giants five points clear at the top of the Championship – bringing in signings mid-season is easier said than done.

Who could Leeds United sign who would really improve their starting XI? Would Cameron Archer or Adam Armstrong – Leeds eyed up the two Southampton strikers – have cemented a starting spot over Joel Piroe.

Leeds were linked with Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele, too. But why would the Republic Ireland international swap the City Ground terraces for the Elland Road bench? Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have been so impressive in recent weeks that the returning Pascal Struijk may face a battle getting his place back.

Chelsea striker Marc Guiu was another mentioned as a potential recruit for the Premier League-chasing outfit. A £5 million summer addition from Barcelona, the 19-year-old centre-forward who had been restricted largely to cup and Europa Conference League action at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca obviously felt Guiu was ready to compete for more regular minutes in teh second half of the campaign, however.

The Blues decided against listening to loan offers – West Brom and Sunderland were also linked alongside Leeds – with Guiu playing 40 minutes away to West Ham on the day the transfer window closed. His longest outing yet in a Premier League match.

Unfortunately for the teenage frontman, it may also be his last outing for some time.

Because, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday night, Maresca confirmed that Guiu is now facing potentially months on the sidelines.

“Marc unfortunately has a bad injury,” the former Leicester City coach sighs. “Could be [long-term].”

Guiu hobbled off towards the end of that hard-fought 2-1 win against London neighbours West Ham. A massive blow to the development of a young striker who, despite limited game time, had still recorded six goals in just four Chelsea starts across all competitions.

Daniel Farke happy with Leeds strikers as Patrick Bamford nears return

Joel Piroe ended his mini-goal drought with a brace against Cardiff City last weekend, Patrick Bamford is stepping up his return from injury, and Mateo Joseph netted for the first time since October amid reports that Leeds rejected a £10 million bid from La Liga outfit Real Betis.

“We have three really proper strikers,” Farke argues, Piroe scoring again in midweek at Coventry. “We have players who could perhaps fulfil also a job in this role if necessary to do so.

“For example, Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani have played as strikers before [albeit they are] not natural strikers.

“We have three proper strikers at this moment. I totally trust them, of course. If there are many injuries or you have problems in terms of availability, sometimes it makes sense to have a fourth, fifth, sixth striker there.

“But it could also create another problem, in terms of togetherness and spirit.”